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Apolipoprotein M affecting lipid metabolism or just catching a ride with lipoproteins in the circulation?

Author

Summary, in English

Apolipoprotein M (apoM) is a novel apolipoprotein found mainly in high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Its function is yet to be defined. ApoM (25 kDa) has a typical lipocalin beta-barrel fold and a hydrophobic pocket. Retinoids bind apoM but with low affinity and may not be the natural ligands. ApoM retains its signal peptide, which serves as a hydrophobic anchor to the lipoproteins. This prevents apoM from being lost in the urine. Approximately 5% of HDL carries an apoM molecule. ApoM in plasma (1 muM) correlates strongly with both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and HDL cholesterol, suggesting a link to cholesterol metabolism. However, in casecontrol studies, apoM levels in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and controls were similar, suggesting apoM levels not to affect the risk for CHD in humans. Experiments in transgenic mice suggested apoM to have antiatherogenic properties; possible mechanisms include increased formation of pre-beta HDL, enhanced cholesterol mobilization from foam cells, and increased antioxidant properties.

Publishing year

2009

Language

English

Pages

559-564

Publication/Series

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences

Volume

66

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Birkhäuser Verlag

Topic

  • Cell Biology

Status

Published

Research group

  • Clinical Chemistry, Malmö

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1420-9071